Pet Wiki

Cymric, Manx Longhair

Also called Cymric, Manx Longhair, Longhair Manx, Semi-longhair Manx

A quiet, sweet and easy-going cat that bonds closely with one or two people.

SizeMedium
Weight3.6 to 5.4 kg (8 to 12 lb)males 4.5 to 5.4 kg, females 3.6 to 5.4 kg123
Lifespan9 to 13 years2
CoatSemi-long, dense, padded double coat
OriginIsle of Man (the Manx bloodline); the longhaired form was developed as a breed by breeders in Canada and the United States from the 1960s314
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle and placid
affectionate, often doglike (plays fetch)
surprising bursts of agility
12

Personality what they are like

A quiet, sweet and easy-going cat that bonds closely with one or two people. It is smart and loving, not easily ruffled, and many enjoy fetch and interactive games in a way that reminds owners of a dog.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

semi-long, dense, padded double coat

A compact, solid, rounded cat that feels heavier than it looks, with a round head, round eyes and a rounded rump that sits higher than the shoulders. Tails range from none at all (rumpy) to short stubs (stumpy) and occasionally full length. The medium-long coat is thick and well padded, growing longer from shoulders to rump, with a collar-like ruff and full britches.123

Colourswhiteblackblueredcreamsilvertortoiseshellcalicotabbysmokechinchillamost colours except chocolate, lavender and pointed (CFA)123

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Cymric, Manx Longhair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Often content to lounge, then suddenly races around or jumps impressively high; daily play helps.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Comb at least weekly with a wide-toothed comb, focusing on the underarms and cheeks where tangles form; brush more often in moulting season. Portion food carefully as they tend to have a hearty appetite.12

Home where they are happiest

Indoor home with space to run and high places to jump to.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Measured portions of a complete cat food; they enjoy eating and put on weight easily.2

Company who they like around

Loves people and forms strong attachments to its family.12

The story where it all began

Tailless cats have been recorded on the Isle of Man since the 1500s, and longhaired kittens occasionally appeared among them, possibly from Norse-era longhaired ancestors. In the 1960s breeders in Canada started breeding the longhaired type on purpose, and it became popular from the mid 1970s. Registries differ on whether to call it a breed of its own or a longhaired Manx.31

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Longhaired kittens born on the Isle of Man were once set aside as oddities, until breeders in Canada in the 1960s chose to develop them.3

  2. 2

    Tail types have names: rumpy, rumpy riser, stumpy and longy.3

  3. 3

    With their round shape they are said to look like bowling balls when they run.2

  4. 4

    Manx cats have been registered by the CFA since 1906.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name Cymric is derived from Cymru, the Welsh or Celtic word for Wales. It was chosen by breeders Blair Wright and Leslie Falteisek, inspired by Wright's grandmother who reported seeing longhaired, tailless cats in Wales.5

Name ideas for your new friend

FinnMollyTullochNiamhPippinDougalSaoirseBrambleFionnMaeveRuaTadhg

A day in the life told by a Cymric, Manx Longhair

I wake up slowly, the sun warming my spot on the sofa. My human comes down, and I purr a little hello, then stretch one paw out. After breakfast, I find my favorite toy mouse and carry it to them, dropping it with a soft thump. They throw it, and I race after it, my paws thumping on the floor. Later, I curl up in their lap, kneading gently. In the afternoon, I chase a beam of light along the wall, leaping high. As evening comes, I settle beside them on the couch, my tail wrapped around my paws, content.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CFA
Shown as the longhair division of the Manx, same standard1
TICA
Treated as a Manx variety, not a separate breed3
FIFe
Fully recognised as Cymric, Category 3, code CYM6
CCA-AFC
Recognised as a separate breed3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cymric, Manx Longhair tip

For a Cymric, offer treats sparingly as they tend to gain weight easily, so keep snacks to no more than 10% of daily calories. A tiny bit of plain meat baby food can be a handy, low-calorie training treat, but always check with your vet first.

Source: hillspet.com

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Cymric, Manx Longhair, and at what times?

Feeding frequency depends on your cat's age and activity level; ask your vet for a personalized schedule. They enjoy eating and can put on weight easily, so measure portions carefully.

What should a Cymric, Manx Longhair eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, balanced cat food in measured portions to prevent weight gain. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.27

Does a Cymric, Manx Longhair need baths?

Baths are rarely needed; only bathe when your cat is very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidelines. Regular brushing keeps their coat clean.8

How often does a Cymric, Manx Longhair need brushing?

Comb at least weekly with a wide-toothed comb, focusing on underarms and cheeks. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days and daily deshedding during shedding season.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Cymric, Manx Longhair's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every 10 to 14 days as a general guideline; Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days. Start slowly, trimming just a couple claws per session to keep your cat comfortable.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Cymric, Manx Longhair need?

Daily play is recommended to match their moderate activity level. They enjoy interactive games and fetch, and may suddenly race around or jump high.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Cymric, Manx Longhair's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as per Pet Wiki's plan. For ears, check weekly and clean gently if needed; ask your vet for specific advice. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Cymric, Manx Longhair live?

They typically live 9 to 13 years, enjoying a happy indoor life with proper care.2

Is a Cymric, Manx Longhair good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are quiet, sweet, and easy-going, bonding closely with their family. Supervise introductions with children and other pets, and they usually adapt well.12

Can a Cymric, Manx Longhair be left alone?

They form strong attachments and enjoy company, but can be left for reasonable periods with toys and high perches. If you're away often, consider a companion or ask your vet for advice.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. CFA - Manx cfa.orgused for recognition, weight, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, activity, history
  2. Hill's - Cymric hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, colours, temperament, grooming, diet
  3. Wikipedia - Cymric cat en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, weight, tail types, name
  4. Wikipedia - List of cat breeds en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
  5. breeds.tcainc.org breeds.tcainc.org
  6. FIFe - Breeds fifeweb.orgused for recognition
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.